Empowerment matters.

Social work is a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment. With Cornerstone University's social work major, you'll graduate equipped with the tools to help relieve suffering and support the implementation of programs that make a difference. Trained to compassionately engage diverse populations, you will gain an enriched perspective of the global church and grow alongside members of the community.

Our mission is to empower you to become a competent, ethical and professional practitioner in the field. Cornerstone graduates can be found working in residential treatment, child welfare, nursing homes, domestic violence shelters, substance abuse treatment, criminal justice, homeless shelters, churches, low-income assistance programs and mental health centers.

Overview

Career Opportunities

A wide variety of employment opportunities exist for graduates with a bachelor's degree in Social Work. Social workers are often employed in child and family service organizations, mental health centers, residential treatment facilities, state and local human service organizations, as well as nursing homes and assisted living centers. Social workers also find employment in community development capacities as well as international social service organizations and hospitals.

For a preview of available job paths and the employment outlook for graduates with degrees in Social Work, explore the Occupational Outlook Handbook compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In addition to transitioning into full-time positions, many of our graduates earn master's degrees in the field.

Program Classes

From personable faculty to one-on-one advising appointments, we have resources to support you in reaching your goals and being successful in your classes.

See our sample degree plan for the list of classes you'll take as a social work major.

During your senior year as a social work major, an in-depth 440-hour field placement in a social service organization allows you to encounter and serve a variety of populations. This prepares you to effectively transition to a job or graduate course work.

Certification Opportunities

Cornerstone University's Social Work degree program is approved by the state of Michigan to offer a Child Welfare Certificate. Students interested in working with children and families may wish to pursue this certificate which provides graduates with opportunities to enter into several child welfare positions without needing to complete a majority of required state training sessions.

Social Science Division Student Outcomes

96%

of traditional undergraduate social science students from the class of 2018 were working or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Importantly, our recent graduates also shared that they love their work. Of respondents, 89 percent reported a genuine interest in what they are doing.

Job Outcomes

Cornerstone alumni are tireless in their passion to influence our world for Christ as servant leaders. You can find CU graduates building lives that matter at workplaces based in West Michigan and beyond.

College Is About More Than a Degree

At Cornerstone, knowledge is about more than memorizing facts. Here, you will develop a deeper understanding of people, life and God. You will conquer challenges, grow in wisdom and make more memories than you can count.

For seven reasons on why a four-year, liberal arts Christian college is a great choice and wise investment, download our guide.

"At Cornerstone, professors will challenge and push you to think about things from other perspectives. They will encourage you to consider the diversity of people and views and to acknowledge that there is not always one right answer. They will walk alongside you as you learn while offering wisdom and support."

Allison Van Kampen2018 | Social Work

"My time at Cornerstone has allowed me to experience growth and be shaped in ways that I did not realize God could even use in me and be surrounded by a strengthening community through it all. My professors have invested in me by taking time to help me excel in my strengths and improve on my weaknesses. I'm constantly learning what it is like to be the hands and feet of Christ as a future social worker."

Rossy Sical2016 | Social Work

"What matters is that CU is a school that teaches the truths about God very well, and strives for that teaching through every single class with excellence every day. Here professors really care about what you think and what you do. CU has also helped me grow in my faith in Christ and has gifted me with resources and experience to not only graduate with confidence but also to be ready to serve the world."

Meredith Powell2015 | Social Work

"The Social Work program has taught me valuable lessons to prepare me for the field. The importance of integrating the love of Christ into our class work has made my learning experience invaluable."

Eric Walters2014 | Social Work

"Dr. Scott Sanders and Professor Nola Carew challenged me to grow as a Christian and as a student in the classroom; I learned that being a social worker is a lot like being a missionary. I was able to take these skills into my practicum placement at Child Protective Services, engaging clients, working with a variety of agencies in the community, and gaining valuable experiences. The Social Work department equipped me with the best foundation to go out into the work force and continue to impact the world and God's Kingdom."

James McCormick2014 | Social Work

"My field placement allowed my understanding of mental health, substance abuse, grief, child abuse and neglect, and suicide assessment to grow exponentially. Shortly after my internship concluded, I was offered a Medical Social Work position in the Emergency Department at Helen DeVos. Through my social work internship and the exceptional social work curriculum at CU, I was given the tools I needed to enter the field of social work with confidence and a deep understanding of theory, research, and assessment."

Ashley Oosterbaan2010 | Social Work

"I've been working in child welfare for more than five years, and I'm so passionate about it! I know that I'm making an impact every day in the lives of the kiddos and families that I work with. Cornerstone's social work program helped set the stage for the experience I've had out in the field, not only in terms of book knowledge, but also in terms of real-world practical application from a Christian perspective. I'm so thankful for the time I spent at Cornerstone and for the lasting relationships I formed with peers and professors."

Kelly Bowers2009 | Social Work

"My positive experience at Cornerstone did not end when I graduated. In addition to the great teaching, lifelong relationships and professional preparedness received while completing my undergraduate degree, I now have a built-in support system and sounding board for my career. My former professors have become professional mentors and former classmates have become supportive colleagues."